Time’s running out for TikTok users in the US! This Sunday (January 19, 2025), the popular video-sharing app could be banned in the US unless its Chinese owners sell it off. Get ready for a big social media showdown!
Congress passed a law in April 2024 requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American company within nine months or face a complete country-wide ban. This came after the U.S. Justice Department declared TikTok a “national security threat.”
Why is TikTok Being Banned in the US?
Many countries, including the US, UK, and European Commission, have restricted TikTok use especially on government devices. Plus, there are ongoing discussions and potential moves to ban TikTok entirely in some regions. This time US has taken a strong, bold step because of the following reasons:
Data Privacy Concerns
TikTok’s data collection practices are a primary concern. The app collects vast amounts of user data, including personal information, browsing history, and even biometric data. These concerns raise serious questions about user privacy and national security, as this data could be mishandled.
To access TikTok in the USA, you can easily use a TikTok VPN like PureVPN. This allows you
to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy TikTok content without any limitations.
Algorithmic Influence
TikTok’s powerful algorithm is designed to keep users highly engaged. There are concerns that this algorithm can be manipulated to spread misinformation, promote hateful content, and influence user behavior in ways that are not always transparent or beneficial.
National Security Risks
Governments worry that TikTok could be used for espionage (spying) or to influence public opinion during the elections. The potential for data breaches or the app being used for malicious purposes is a threat to national security.
Will TikTok Immediately Stop Working After the US Ban?
No, a US ban on TikTok would not cause it to immediately stop working for all users. The most immediate impact would be the removal of TikTok from official app stores like the App Store and Google Play Store.
People who already have the app will still be able to use it for a while, but will lose access to crucial updates, including frequent security patches. This would make the app increasingly unstable and unsafe over time. Plus, the app would eventually become incompatible with newer operating system versions.
Also, you might experience slower performance as the app relies on foreign servers or the US might block access to TikTok’s website on its servers, just like China does for foreign services. We will know it in a few days!
Can I Still Access TikTok Even if it is Banned in My Region?
Absolutely! But remember not to sideload the app if you previously did not have it on your Android device, because that could be malicious and can risk your data. Plus do not try to jailbreak your iPhone, as it can void warranties and cause technical issues.
There’s always a reliable way out! Even if the ban is implemented, you can download the TikTok app by changing the Play Store region through PureVPN or using another Play Store on the same device, making yourself appear in a country where TikTok is available.
Alternatively, you can also try other content creation platforms such as YouTube shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat.
Frequently Asked Questions
TikTok could be banned in the US on January 19th unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, agrees to sell the app to an American owner. If the ban goes ahead, TikTok will be removed from app stores, and millions of American content creators and vendors won’t be able to update or download the app.
Yes, TikTok was banned in the UK back in March 2023 for government officials’ devices, due to mishandling of data and rising privacy concerns.
Yes, TikTok employees were reported to have leaked users’ data previously. But it might be blown out of proportion because the platform carries equal risk as other social media platforms do. TikTok tracks your IP address, browsing history, and device information, which can make you a target of unwanted advertising.
TikTok has banned content that does not follow its community guidelines, including hate speech, violence, and nudity.
Yes, it will. Platforms that are banned in some regions due to regulatory or privacy concerns can be accessed through a VPN. PureVPN, with its reliable privacy & security reputation, can help bypass restrictions and allows you to access TikTok in the US without hassle.
Tick-Tock, Time’s Slipping!
Will TikTok survive the US government’s scrutiny? A complete ban might not immediately stop TikTok’s use, it will impact its accessibility and longevity in the US market.
Whispers on Wall Street suggest former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and tycoon Frank McCourt are among those circling TikTok. But Chinese officials are secretly rooting for Elon Musk, who controls the purse strings, to swoop in and buy TikTok.
Arsalan Rashid
January 15, 2025
9 months ago
